Canada: Research Assistant (Ottawa, Ontario)

Jul 10, 2022 | International Institute for Sustainable Development
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The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is an award-winning independent think tank working to accelerate solutions for a stable climate, sustainable resource management, and fair economies. Our work inspires better decisions and sparks meaningful action to help people and the planet thrive. We shine a light on what can be achieved when governments, businesses, non-profits, and communities come together. IISD’s staff of more than 120 people, plus over 150 associates and consultants, come from across the globe and from many disciplines. With offices in Winnipeg, Geneva, Ottawa, and Toronto, our work affects lives in nearly 100 countries.

About IISD Resilience and the NAP Global Network

IISD’s Resilience Program is a multidisciplinary team of policy researchers who work with governments, civil society, communities, and businesses to help them manage climate- and conflict-related risks. Its work focuses on planning, people, and nature—preparing for a different or uncertain future, making sure different genders and social groups influence and benefit from investments in resilience, and harnessing the role of ecosystems to help communities manage risks.

Within this portfolio, the Resilience Program hosts the secretariat for the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Global Network, an initiative focused on accelerating adaptation planning and action in developing countries. The NAP Global Network strives to achieve this goal by a) enhancing national-level action through short- and longer-term technical support on adaptation planning, b) facilitating South–South peer learning and exchange, and c) generating, synthesizing, and sharing knowledge on NAP processes. Established in 2014, the NAP Global Network connects more than 1,500 participants from over 150 countries, with financial support from an expanding base of donors.

The Position

The Research Assistant will support the Resilience Program in a range of tasks, including providing support to the activities of the NAP Global Network Secretariat.

Among other tasks, the Research Assistant will be the main person responsible for keeping the NAP Trends database up to date. This will involve reviewing NAP documents, inputting data into the database, doing quality assurance on the data entered, and continuously updating the guidance for the management of data. They will also provide support to other projects within the Resilience Program as needed.

The Research Assistant reports to the NAP Global Network Knowledge Manager.

Main Responsibilities

The successful candidate’s key areas of responsibility will include the following:

1. Reviewing NAP documents.

Using the methodology established by the NAP Global Network, the Research Assistant will conduct reviews of NAP documents to synthesize the information needed for the NAP Trends database. This will involve reviewing the documents and filling in the information in the database back end, paying careful attention to accuracy, spelling, and grammar. It will also involve continuously updating the data entry guidance to ensure consistency across document reviews.\

2. Entering data in the NAP Trends database.

Using the information from the NAP document reviews, the Research Assistant will be the key person responsible for entering the data from NAP document reviews and reviewing the data to ensure that it is correct, aligns with the database guidance, and is entered into the database using a consistent approach.

3. Supporting the organization of peer-to-peer learning events, webinars, and other virtual events organized by the Resilience Program.

Over the course of the year, the Resilience Program will organize virtual peer-to-peer learning events, webinars, and other virtual events. The Research Assistant will support the organization and facilitation of these events, which may include support for the development of PowerPoints and other materials, including pre- and post-surveys, managing technology and/or note-taking during the session, and synthesis of key messages for communications and knowledge products.

4. Supporting the Knowledge Manager in compiling and synthesizing knowledge related to climate change adaptation and related topics, including NAP processes.

As needed, the Research Assistant will review documents, conduct interviews and/or administer surveys, and compile information on climate change adaptation and related topics, including NAP processes. They may also support the development of communications and knowledge products developed by the Resilience Program.

5. Ongoing support to the Resilience Program.

In addition to the above, ongoing or ad-hoc tasks may include:

  • Participating in weekly Resilience team meetings, as well as other meetings as requested by the Knowledge Manager.
  • Supporting secondary research and interviews with partners to gather information on other resilience topics.
  • Preparing summaries of projects or documents to support communication and the implementation of Resilience projects.

Experience Sought

The experience and qualifications below indicate what is needed to succeed in the position. We understand candidates may not have all the following; if you possess 75% or more of the qualifications listed as “Essential,” then we encourage you to apply.

Please note that our Resilience team works across multiple time zones. We are looking for someone with a “can-do” work attitude who is able to work autonomously while proactively engaging with other team members, particularly while working in a remote and/or hybrid work environment.

Qualifications (Essential)

  • A bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a field related to climate change and sustainable development (e.g., international development, geography, political sciences, or another similar area, with coursework focusing on climate change and/or sustainable development).

Knowledge and experience (Essential)

  • Minimum of 2 years of work experience in a relevant position, focusing on data management and analysis.
  • Understanding of climate change adaptation, particularly in the Global South.
  • Knowledge of international development.
  • Desirable: Experience reviewing policy documents.

Skills (Essential)

  • Strong attention to detail.
  • Excellent writing skills.
  • Ability to become familiar with new topics quickly.
  • Fluent in English.
  • Desirable: Ability to work in French and/or Spanish is a strong asset.

Behavioural competencies (Essential)

  • Results-focused, able to work quickly and accurately to meet tight deadlines without compromising the quality of the results.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, ability to work comfortably across different cultures, be inclusive, positive, and a good communicator.
  • Curious and committed to learning, working to understand the people, concepts, and issues that drive our work. Asks questions and seeks answers.

Locations: Canada

Preference may be given to candidates based in Canadian cities where IISD has an office (Ottawa, Winnipeg, and Toronto).

**Candidates must have the authorization to work in Canada during the time of their employment with IISD. IISD is not able to sponsor work permits.**

Term: One year, with the possibility of extension

Closing date: July 20, 2022

Application Procedure

Applications will only be accepted through BambooHR

  • A CV (no longer than two pages)
  • A one-page letter of motivation

Please note that only those candidates we wish to interview will be contacted. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. We thank you for your interest in working with IISD!

All applicants must have the authorization to work in Canada without any sponsorship from IISD.

Only those candidates we wish to interview will be contacted. Resumes will be kept on file for one year.

IISD has implemented a COVID-19 Vaccination Policy that requires employees who are required or choose to be at an office or participate in in-person team events or in-person meetings/events to be fully vaccinated. Anyone unable to be fully vaccinated, either because of a sincerely held religious belief or a medical condition or a disability that prevents them from being fully vaccinated can request a reasonable accommodation.

IISD is committed to fostering a more equitable and sustainable world and welcomes candidates who uphold our values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. In addition, to correct the conditions of social injustice and disadvantage in employment around the world, we encourage candidates from historically marginalized groups, including women, Indigenous Peoples, people with disabilities, people from different racial and ethnic backgrounds, and those who identify themselves as 2SLGBTQIA+ to apply for this position. Preference will be given to the equity-deserving groups during the hiring process. We offer reasonable accommodations in our recruitment process and seek applicants’ advice on how best to accommodate their needs. Please self-identify and answer our employment equity questions on our applicant tracking system when you apply.